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Michael Bloomberg Defends Science

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the science-apparently-needs-defending dept.

blonde rser writes "This weeks Scientific American Podcast plays excerpts from NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's commencement address at John Hopkins University (text and video can be found online). Once he gets past the standard pomp and circumstance he makes a strong, pro-science speech. It is impressive how he very directly demonizes those that would politicize stem cell research, global warming, Terry Schaivo, and evolution." From the speech: "Hopkins' motto is 'Veritas vos liberabit' - 'the truth shall set you free' - not that 'you shall be free to set the truth!'" Stirring stuff.

5 of 387 comments (clear)

  1. i've voted democratic my entire life by circletimessquare · · Score: 1, Informative

    except once

    michael bloomberg in 2001

    --
    intellectual property law is philosophically incoherent. it is your moral duty to ignore it or sabotage it
  2. Re:This man is right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Informative

    Stem cell research is not being outlawed "everywhere." Many in America oppose federal funding on the subject, but afaik, you are free to slaughter the innocent little potential babies any time you like so that Michael J Fox can stay in the limelight- as long as you use private money. Talk to Bill G.

  3. Re:For information by Yvanhoe · · Score: 2, Informative

    Well, I used to argue a lot with a Christian friend about morality, science, sex, etc... We used to stall. But recently I have read the Bible. This book is just great! whatever your opinion on any issue, you will find a reference backing you!

    http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/ is a good tool too.

    --
    The Wise adapts himself to the world. The Fool adapts the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the Fool.
  4. Re:Puzzling. by unamiccia · · Score: 5, Informative

    Six years ago, Bloomberg was a bored billionaire who wanted to run for mayor. The race for the Democratic nomination was crowded with experienced candidates and the Republican race wasn't. Though Bloomberg had identified as a Democrat during most of his career, he switched parties to run for the Republican nomination.

    The combination of a brutal Democratic primary, 9/11, and Bloomberg's amazing spending (he self-financed his campaign) got him elected in 2001. That year he only spent $70 per vote received -- that increased to $100 per vote when he ran for reelection last year. His was the most expensive non-presidential campaign in U.S. (therefore world) history.

    I'm not sure what Bloomberg wants to do when he leaves office in 2009, but he sure as hell doesn't want to hang out with Republicans. He's been distancing himself ever since he was reelected.

  5. Get It Right by dubner · · Score: 2, Informative

    It's Johns Hopkins, not John Hopkins. Sheesh :-(

    Oh, yeah, this is Slashdot -- never mind.